Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the season, we forget to pause to reflect, ponder and prepare our hearts for the arrival of the baby Jesus.
Reflect on the blessings God has given you. Maybe this past year has been a challenge. Remember God has plans for us. We don’t always know them or agree with them. “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). We can trust the Lord.
Take some time to stop and ponder. What did Mary feel? How about the shepherds or the animals? Mary pondered, as Luke tells us in 2:19, “But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.”
Prepare our hearts. There are many ways to prepare our hearts: with a devotional, by spending time with your loved ones, by enjoying quiet time, by listening to Christmas music.
As we continue this third week of Advent, how do you reflect, ponder and prepare?
This message is excerpted from “Reflect, ponder, prepare” by Gwen Edwards from the December 17, 2015, blog of the Women of the ELCA. Today is the Third Sunday of Advent.
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